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Forget going out – the best 4K TVs can give you the home theatre experience right in your living room. Save the money you’d spend on multiplex tickets and stick it into a new television. Even with limited cash to spend, you can treat your eyes to an entertainment upgrade.
And if you’ve got a blockbuster budget, there’s no shortage of classy gear to transform your movie room. Need help to pick the right panel for your pad? We’ve tested a battalion of big-screen TVs to bring you the best 4K TVs fit for every budget (need to upgrade your audio? Check out the best soundbar too)
What’s the best 4K TV in the UK?
The best cheap 4K TVs:
1. Samsung UE43AU71000
Samsung UE43AU71000 specsDisplay43in 3840×2160 LCD/LEDSupported formatsHLG, HDR10+UITizenConnectivity3x HDMI, CI, USB, RF, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2
When we go shopping for a new TV, few of us are looking for a flagship model. Buying an entry-level box? Samsung’s AU7100 doesn’t require you to make too many sacrifices.
With detailed, vibrant images, a solid build and a slick interface, the AU7100 represents excellent value – especially if you opt for the 43in version. Its materials might not be the most indulgent, but the AU7100 is flawlessly finished and built to last.
Front and centre is an LCD/LED panel with edge-positioned backlighting. It works best with native 4K content, serving up detailed, realistic images with nuanced tones – especially when there’s HDR10+ dynamic metadata involved. Motion is handled confidently, too. Things only really deteriorate when you drop below 1080p.
Sound from the 20W drivers is better than you might expect, although there’s no low-end punch. As long as you don’t watch lots of vintage content – and you’re not expecting the quality of the audio to match the quality of the pictures – this is one of the best ‘real world’ TVs around.
2. Hisense A6BG
Hisense A6BG specsDisplay43/50in 3840×3160 VA LCDSupported formatsHDR, HLG, Dolby VisionUIVIDAAConnectivity3 x HDMI, 2 x USB, Ethernet, Optical, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Hisense knows its stuff when it comes to delivering very good entry-level TVs, and this large 65in offering is an absolute bargain at this price. Serving up 4K resolution with HDR (including Dolby Vision support), there’s also an auto low latency mode for gamers, along with built-in Freeview HD. Oh, and it works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa too.
Naturally, given its price, there are a few compromises. The HDMI ports are 2.0, not 2.1, for starters, and the screen itself had fairly limited viewing angles and can struggle with darker scenes. But there’s a comprehensive selection of streaming apps on offer, and again, there’s not much to complain about at this price.
The perfect choice if you’re looking for something simple, straightforward, and really rather massive.
The best mid-range 4K TVs:
1. Philips 55OLED807
Philips 55OLED807 specsDisplay55in 3840×2160 OLEDSupported formatsHDR10, HDR10+ Adaptive, HLG, Dolby VisionUIAndroid TV 11Connectivity4x HDMI, 3x USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, CI+, Optical, Ethernet, Headphone, Satellite
Philips has established itself as a hero of the 4K TV sweet spot, delivering great sets where affordability meets performance. And the 55OLED807 knocks it out of the park again. Nicely designed and robustly built, it shows no signs of corner cutting. Philips has even added some swivel adjustment for easier positioning.
Its feature set doesn’t come up short, either. The 55OLED807 works with every mainstream HDR standard and offers a stack of inputs, including a pair of HDMI 2.1 ports for next-gen console compatibility. Four-sided Ambilight also remains a perfect complement to pictures. We still found setup menus complex and relentless in testing, but the remote at least made it easier to battle through. And the reward is great picture quality in almost every circumstance.
Peak brightness is right up there with the best OLED panels, resulting in incredible contrast, with both white and black tones packed with detail. The colour palette is extensive yet natural, too. Spend time tweaking and you can also achieve smooth, expertly rendered motion. Upscaling is similarly effective and even the 2.1-channel sound system is pretty composed for the set’s size. In short, this is one of the best pound-for-pound TVs around right now.
2. Samsung S95B OLED
Samsung S95B OLED specsDisplay55in 3840×2160 OLEDSupported formatsHDR, HDR10+, HLGUITizen OSConnectivity4x HDMI, 2x USB, Ethernet, optical, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Samsung’s S95B is incredibly bright for an OLED, although not as bright as any QLED (which is to be expected. Still, it’s bright enough, and colours are beautifully vivid, if not the most realistic. If you’re a stickler for colour accuracy without any tweaking, then you might want to look elsewhere. Most people though, seem to like punchy, saturated colours, and if you’re one of them, then all the more power to you.
Another thing to bear in mind, are the size options available. The S95B has two models: 55in and 65in. If size is key, and you’re after something bigger (or smaller), then you might want to look elsewhere. If it ticks all your boxes though, then you definitely won’t be disappointed.
The best premium 4K TVs:
1. Sony XR-55A80L
Sony XR-55A80L specsDisplay48in 3840×2160 OLEDSupported formatsHDR10, HLG, Dolby VisionUIGoogle TVConnectivity4x HDMI, 2x USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplay
In short, the Sony XR-55A80L is a great TV. Subtle, and vibrant, it makes the very best of any content you feed into it. No, it’s not the brightest OLED panel around, but the white tones it creates are clean, and there’s detail and nuance in spades — especially when it comes to accurate colour tones such as those found on skin.
HDR performance is solid, as is motion control, with smooth edge definition too. Combined, all of these attributes result in a beautiful, pleasant viewing experience, bolstered by strong upscaling performance and slick gaming capabilities. You’ll want to upgrade the sound with speakers or a soundbar though, as is the case for most of the picks on our list.
2. Sony XR-55A90J
Sony XR-55A90J specsDisplay54.6in 3840×2160 OLEDSupported formatsHDR10, HLG, Dolby VisionUIGoogle TVConnectivity4x HDMI, 3x USB, Ethernet, optical, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay
Throwing money at something isn’t always a solution. But in the case of the Sony XR-55A90J OLED, it very much is. Yes, it’s super expensive for a 55in television, but it’s also worth every penny. There’s a lot of cutting-edge tech here: the super-fast and deeply intelligent XR processor is present, with Acoustic Surface Audio+ trickery. Google TV has replaced Android TV, which is a major upgrade. Sony’s exclusive Bravia Core streaming service is included, too.
Performance, as the price demands, is profoundly impressive. The A90J is very bright by OLED standards, so contrasts absolutely pop from the screen. This TV can call on a seemingly limitless array of colours, and easily describe minute differences in shade and texture. It handles on-screen motion with casual effortlessness and can bring detail and subtlety to inky black tones. Plus it also upscales low- resolution content without having a panic attack.
The A90J’s feet can sit low or stand high enough to fit a soundbar beneath, but Sony is so pleased with its in-built audio that it’s fitted speaker binding posts on the back panel, so the entire screen can be the centre channel in a surround-sound setup.
3. LG OLED65C3
LG OLED65C3 specsDisplay65in 3840×2160 OLED Supported formatsHDR10, HLG, Dolby VisionUIWebOS 2.3Connectivity4x HDMI, 3x USB, Ethernet, optical, line out, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
The LG OLED65C3 has some obvious advantages over the C2 it replaces, not least in its HDR picture processing enhancements and the revision to its UI. Is that enough to tempt C2 owners into a costly upgrade? Probably not. The rest of us, though, can simply be impressed by what is the latest in a long line of high-achieving LG OLED TVs.
From strong gaming and upscaling performance to natural colour balance, true blacks, and wide-ranging contrasts, it’s a joy to behold. As is usually the case though, you’ll want to beef up it stock speakers with some external gear to do justice to the on-screen action.
4. Sony XR-55A95K
Sony XR-55A95K specsDisplay55in 3840 x 2160 QD-OLEDSupported formatsHDR 10, HLG, Dolby VisionUIAndroid TVConnectivity4x HDMI, 2x USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, Chromecast
First out of the blocks with a QD-OLED telly, Sony’s A95K promises to combine the advantages of OLED – deep blacks and vivid colours – with the brightness of LCD. In practice, it’s one of the best out-of-the-box TVs you can buy.
All-screen from the front, build quality is everything you’d expect from a premium Sony product. Read: basically flawless. Its feature set is similarly superlative, with two out of four HDMI inputs supporting 4K at 120Hz. Less useful is the Bravia Cam, which attaches magnetically to the top. It will one day adjust settings based on ambient conditions, but for now it’s a glorified webcam.
Like all of Sony’s OLED TVs, the A95K’s screen itself acts as a speaker, reinforced by a couple of rear-firing subs. When it comes to fidelity, detail and outright punch, it can sonically match any TV without a separate speaker bar.
Star of the show, though, is the picture. While it isn’t startlingly brighter than the best non-QD OLEDs, the A95K can generate the most convincing and nuanced brightness of any OLED currently available. Detail is high across the board, colour fidelity is effortlessly natural and depth of field is almost three-dimensional, given the right material. All of which means the A95K is as enjoyable as 4K televisions get right now.
The best luxury 4K TVs:
1. Philips 65OLED937
Philips 65OLED+937 specsDisplay65in 3840 x 2160 OLEDSupported formatsHDR 10, HLG, Dolby VisionUIAndroid TVConnectivity2x HDMI 2.1 2x HDMI 2.0, 3x USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Chromecast
Ever since Philips began collaborating with Bowers & Wilkins for its high-end TV audio systems, the company has set itself apart with high-quality sound, in addition to the brilliant Ambilight feature. In a market where most televisions seem to be far too similar to each other, this has certainly been a refreshing development. Of course, this sort of differentiation doesn’t come cheap. But it’s worth it.
Philips’ gorgeously large eOLDE set delivers both stunning picture quality, and wide, immersive sound, thanks to the aforementioned partnership. A perfect,t high-quality TV for those who want the best experience with minimal faff, it’ll hit your wallet hard, and your eyes and ears even harder. Worth it.
2. LG G2 77in OLED
LG G2 77in OLED specsDisplay76.7in 3840 x 2160 OLEDSupported formatsHDR 10, HLG, Dolby VisionUIwebOSConnectivity4x HDMI, 3x USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, Chromecast
LG’s long been an OLED pioneer and the G2 is a top-spec telly to cement its reputation. With an upgraded panel, brand-spanking processor and improved heat dissipation, it promises brightness to rival the best LCDs.
LG calls the G2 its “Gallery Edition” for good reason: it’s designed to be wall-mounted. And in 77in guise, it does plenty to justify the framing, as well as the Picasso price tag. Hues are vivd, yet colour accuracy is second to none. Blacks are as inky as you’d expect, while its OLED evo panel is dazzlingly bright. Image clarity is similarly excellent, with clever AI upscaling to make older content look good in 4K. All of which combines to produce a masterpiece and definitely one of the best 4K TV options around.
Besides the occasional bug, LG’s updated webOS interface remains intuitive and clutter-free. A new gaming menu lets you tweak refresh rates, with all four HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K at 120fps. The G2’s down-firing speakers also pull off a convincing Atmos experience, simulating virtual surround with decent punch – which you can’t say of many integrated TV speakers.
3. Samsung S90C
Samsung S90C specsDisplay65in 3840×2160 OLEDSupported formatsHDR10+, HLGUITizenConnectivity4x HDMI, 2x USB, Ethernet, optical, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Samsung’s OLED beast serves up glossy blacks and bright whites to deliver some seriously impressive performance, with plenty of nuance and shade in the tone department. Full HD upscaling is, as expected, formidable, with high details and solid contrasts on offer.
Gamers too, will appreciate the specs on offer here, which include more than enough HDMI 2.1 ports to satisfy multiple consoles, along with a low input lag and 4K 144Hz gaming. That’s pretty impressive for a TV whichever way you slice it, beating other 4K/120Hz sets in the refresh rate department.
Best of all, given the fact that most TV speakers tend to sound rather anaemic, the S90C’s built-in audio hardware actually provides a relatively decent experience — one that’s good enough to stop you from automatically hooking up a soundbar. Not that that would be a bad idea, mind.
The best 4K TVs in the US:
1. Samsung S95B
Samsung S95B OLED specsDisplay55in 3840×2160 OLEDSupported formatsHDR, HDR10+, HLGUITizen OSConnectivity4x HDMI, 2x USB, Ethernet, optical, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
The S95B is one of the best 4K TVs for most people in the US, especially for those already used to (and happy with), Samsung’s TV experience, which includes fancy extras like its cloud Gaming Hub.
Gamers will be able to enjoy 4K, 120Hz gaming, thanks to a generous array of HDMI 2.1 ports, and other features like FreeSync.
Being a QD OLED affair, it offers a brighter viewing experience compared to something like the LG C2 OLED, while its single-stand design makes for convenient placement, even in the larger-screened models.
2. Sony Bravia XR A95K
Sony XR-55A95K specsDisplay55in 3840 x 2160 QD-OLEDSupported formatsHDR 10, HLG, Dolby VisionUIAndroid TVConnectivity4x HDMI, 2x USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, Chromecast
Sony’s A95K set is one of the most expensive 4K TVs around right now, and with good reason. Like Samsung’s excellent S95B, Sony’s offering also offers a stunning, bright QD-OLED screen, but also throws in some additional advantages — namely, support for Dolby Vision HDR, and Dolby DTS:X audio.
These extras, coupled with the A95K’s impeccable colour accuracy for enjoying content like the creator’ intended, make it one of the best premium TVs around. Until its successor lands, that is.
3. TCL 5-Series
TCL 5-Series specsDisplay55in 3840 x 2160 OLEDSupported formatsDolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLGUIRoku TVConnectivity4x HDMI, USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
A Quantum Dot LED TV at this price is nothing to be sniffed at, which is why TCL’s 5-Series is our pick for the best budget 4K TV to buy in the US. With support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and HLG, you’re getting plenty of options for your money too.
HDR performance is, as expected, not the best you’ll find around, and you might find the highlights lacking in particular. Once you remember its comparative price though, it’s easy enough to forgive —
4. LG C2
LG C2 specsDisplay42in 3840 x 2160 OLEDSupported formatsDolby Vision IQ, HDR10, HLGUILG webOS 22Connectivity4x HDMI, 3x USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2
Despite not having the latest QD OLED tech (and therefore not reaching the same brightness levels offered by the Sony and Samsung offerings on our list), the LG C2 remains one of the best 4K TVs in the US. Plenty bright enough (especially for viewing in dimmer rooms), it offers all the superb blacks and punchy colours that OLED displays are famed for.
Our pick of the range is the 42in model, which is not only easier on your wallet, but also ideal for use as a dual PC monitor/TV setup — especially when you take its more manageable screen size, 4K resolution, HDMI 2.1 support, and 120Hz gaming performance into account.
5. Hisense U8H
Hisense U8H specsDisplay65in 3840 x 2160 ULEDSupported formatsDolby Vision, HDR10+UIVIDAA U6.0 / Google TVConnectivity4x HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Hisense’s U8H is a very solid mid-range offering that serves up a 4K LED screen, powered by Google TV for access to all of your favourite apps and games at the touch of a button. Another win, especially at this price, is support for both HDR10+ and Dolby Vision HDR, which is something that cannot be said of its Samsung rival.
Obviously, given the nature of its LED panel, it can’t compete against the inky blacks and in-your-face immersion offered by OLED alternatives, but it gets plenty bright, with two HDMI 2.1 ports for next-gen gaming at a fluid 120Hz.
How to choose the best 4K TV for you
Buying a television is a big purchase, one that you’ll have to live with for a long time (much longer than a smartphone), so when buying a 4K TV there several crucial factors that should guide your decision-making process.
The first thing you’ll want to consider is the screen size. You need to get a TV that best suits your viewing environment. A larger screen can offer a more immersive experience, but it must fit comfortably within your available space.
There are also plenty of important specs and features you’ll want to look out for, such as HDR, OLED, refresh rates, and viewing angles.
High Dynamic Range (HDR) support is a must when buying a modern television. HDR enhances contrast and colour range, resulting in more vivid and lifelike images. Look for TVs that support popular HDR formats like HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG.
The type of panel is also important. OLED panels tend to offer superior contrast and colour accuracy but may come at a higher price point. LED/LCD TVs, on the other hand, are generally more budget-friendly, but can’t match OLED for contrast and colour accuracy.
The refresh rate is a key specification for reducing motion blur. This is especially important if you’re into gaming or watching fast-paced sports. Higher refresh rates like 120Hz or 240Hz can provide smoother motion.
Viewing angles can be important, especially if you have a wide seating arrangement. OLED TVs typically offer wider viewing angles compared to certain LED/LCD models.
Now, most modern 4K TVs are equipped with smart features, such as built-in streaming apps, voice control, internet connectivity, and the ability to stream content from your smartphone. If you have a favourite streaming service, make sure it’s available on the television before you buy it.
If you own multiple game consoles, media players, set-top boxes and streaming sticks, ensuring you have sufficient ports and connectivity options for your devices is crucial. You want to aim for around four HDMI ports, and if you plan to use your TV for gaming with next-gen consoles, make sure these ports have HDMI 2.1 support.
The TV’s audio quality should not be overlooked. While some 4K TVs have better built-in speakers than others, if you’re really serious about audio you’ll want to upgrade to an external sound system, like soundbars or home theater systems.
Finally, it’s important to note that design and aesthetics matter too. You’ll want a TV that fits well with your room’s decor. Slim bezels and sleek designs are popular choices, while you can now also get televisions that look like paintings when in standby mode.
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